Program Planning

Attend the Annual Program Kickoff to Plan your Year

The Program Kick Off is likely the most important meeting you will attend this year and is your chance to get everything you need to plan an exciting program.

At this event, we will distribute the new Council Program Planning Guide, deliver sessions on key elements to a strong and safe unit program from experienced volunteer leaders, and provide answers to all your Scouting questions and concerns.

The Program Kick Off also features a midway with over 40 Scouting programs and community organizations sharing exciting opportunities your Scouts can enjoy this coming year. In addition, Youth Protection, Safe Scouting, and training materials will be available free of charge to all attendees.

The Program Planning Guide

The Program Planning Guide is your manual to achieving the Ideal Year of Scouting. It includes informative articles about the structure of Scouting and how to best serve your unit as well as a calendar of all of the Scouting events happening throughout the Atlanta Area Council for the next 18 months.

2019-2020 Program Guide coming April 2019!

What is the Ideal Year of Scouting?

Providing a year-round, quality Scouting program should be the goal of every Scouting unit. The Ideal Year of Scouting helps you develop an annual program plan, a budget to go along with that plan, and a fundraising plan to reach your program goals. The result is a well-managed, well-financed Scouting unit.

The key is to begin by planning your Unit program alongside your youth and their families. Determine the types of activities your youth are interested in and find opportunities to offer them. Schedule these programs throughout the year in a way that makes sense for your Unit leadership and encourages year-round engagement from your Youth and families.

After you've planned your programs, identify the costs associated with each event as well as any ongoing costs associated with running the unit. Itemize these and determine a total cost for the Unit and per Scout. This allows you to fundraise throughout the year with an overall goal in mind. Work with your Unit leadership and District Executive to determine the best fundraisers your youth can participate in to offset the costs of their Ideal Year of Scouting.

How to have the Ideal Year of Scouting!

A strong and safe Scouting program starts with planning. The Program Guide will give you the tools you need to plan and deliver a safe, top-notch program as well as give you access to resources and programs that can save you and your leadership team a lot of time. Download it now to get started!